Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art and science that has been practiced for centuries. It applies the principles of the earth elements to balance the energy (chi) in any location to create a positive atmosphere, which can bring on good fortune and the healing of mental and physical health. The practice of Feng Shui allows you to create a way to live in harmony with nature. It nurtures and enriches the balance between you and your immediate environment so that you will feel balanced and connected with the greater whole of the universe.

The term Feng Shui translates to “Wind and Water”. These are the two essential elements (air and water) that are required to sustain life. Wind and water flow throughout all areas of the Earth and they directly spread chi, or life force energy. Feng Shui enables you to design your own living space to circulate chi and in so doing, to circulate and balance your own personal chi.

Feng Shui is often called the art of placement. It is used mainly in architecture, interior design, landscape and garden planning. Feng shui balances the flow of chi in all living and non-living things. To get started using Feng Shui principles, the first thing to do is eliminate all unnecessary clutter. If your home is cluttered, the natural flow of the energy is blocked. This does not mean to get rid of things that are still useful, items that have sentimental value or those things you consider beautiful additions to your space. If you have any broken items in your home, fix them as soon as possible. Clean your windows to allow light into the home and make sure your interior lighting is adequate. Make sure doors and windows are not blocked, as chi flows into the home through them.

According to Feng Shui principles, the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water, create and radiate chi. Everything on the planet is part of one of these groups. It is recommended that each room in your home contain three to five of the elements.

Wood

The energy of this element is known to enhance creativity, self-awareness, intuition, flexibility and personal growth. To add this element to your home you can choose colors such as green and purple. Additions to your feng shui room for the wood element include all objects made of wood such as furniture, vertical objects, blinds and patterns to represent a tree trunk, live plants and artwork illustrating various plants, flowers, landscapes and lush gardens.

Fire

The energy of this element is best used for transformation, excitement and renewal. It is not recommended to place fire elements directly next to water elements, as they are opposing forces. To add this element to your home you can choose colors such as red, orange and yellow. Fireplaces, candles, stoves and all types of lighting are good representations of this element. Another way to bring in this element energy is through artwork, in the form of pictures depicting sunshine, pets, wildlife or bright flowers. Floral arrangements add to fire energy. Shapes such as diamonds, triangles and pyramids release energy up and represent fire.

Earth

The energy of this element is very important for grounding. It will help you feel protected, less stressed and focused. To add this element to your home you can choose colors such as brown, light yellow, tan, olive or beige. These colors will serve as a calming influence. However, avoid bright colors. Furnishings for the earth element energy include, heavy furniture that sits lower to the ground, soft cushions, built-in bookshelves, wooden pedestals, natural stone, exposed brickwork, square and rectangle shapes and pottery.

Metal

The energy of this element is key to keeping you focused, influencing mental intelligence and increasing brainpower. It is also known as a catalyst to bring the energies of a room together. To add this element to your home you can chooses colors such as white, gray and all shades of metallic. Furnishings for the metal element energy include objects made from shiny earth metals, coffee tables, end tables or chairs with metal legs, metal planters and all crystals and gemstones. Circular and oval shapes enhance the chi. This element is well suited for your home office or workplace to maximize your talents.

Water

The energy of this element is a foundation for healing and cleansing of your mind, body and spirit. It assists in helping you let go of things that may be holding you back, which brings on a sense of renewal. It also brings you motivation, insight, clearer thinking and the ability to feel serene and at peace. This element can represent both yin and yang. Still water is considered yin and flowing water is considered yang. Furnishings to bring in the water element energy include aquariums, fish bowls, fountains, water features, reflecting surfaces such as mirrors and glass and artwork depicting water scenes. To add this element to your home you can choose colors such as dark blues and grays, and black.

Feng Shui is customizable to an individual’s needs, as everybody’s needs may be different. One of the important tools used in designing your feng shui space for optimal life force energy flow is the octagonal-shaped bagua (sometimes spelled Ba Gua). The Chinese term bagua translates to “eight areas” (trigrams or directions). The bagua is the feng shui energy map of your space. You first need to map out your space’s floorplan or lot area on paper. Overlay the bagua on the drawing or floorplan, with the Career, Knowledge and Journey trigrams at your chosen entrance to the room or space. Examine what objects you currently have in all 8 areas. You might have to rearrange some items to attract the right energy.

In conclusion, Feng shui allows you to maximize and enhance your living space, while also doing the same for your personal and career growth.

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